New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from New Zealand's South to North Island, starting in Christchurch and concluding in Auckland. This adventure offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Explore the iconic Hobbiton movie set, immerse yourself in Maori culture with a traditional hangi dinner, and learn the haka in Murupara. Discover the geothermal marvels of Rotorua, including the Pohutu Geyser, and enjoy the artsy vibe of Wellington. Experience the stunning coastal beauty of Kaikoura and the Coromandel Peninsula, where you can relax at Hot Water Beach. Travel in comfort with private vehicles and ferries, and stay in multi-share hostels, with the option for private rooms. This tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from scenic drives through Tongariro National Park to the vibrant city life of Auckland. Join us for an adventure that captures the essence of New Zealand's diverse landscapes and cultures. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch, Christchurch Cathedral
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch – the largest city in the South Island. After being rocked by an earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch’s downtown has been destroyed, but there are now tonnes of examples of the cool and creative ways the locals have rebuilt. One of the best examples is the Christchurch Cathedral – rebuilt out of cardboard, this is now one of the city’s most interesting architectural features. If you arrive early, maybe explore the sites, cute cafes and cool shops. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to get to know your leader and group. After, why not head out for dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants. ...more ...less
Day 2: Kaikoura
Location: Kaikoura, Seal Colony, Kaikoura
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, leave the city behind and make tracks for Kaikoura – a seaside town known for its rugged mountain scenery and abundance of marine life. When you arrive, maybe get to know the town’s most famous creatures. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat! – dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and common dolphins are all regularly seen around these parts. Kaikoura is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, with humpbacks, orcas and sperm whales often sighted on whale watching cruises. Stop by a seal colony to watch endearing fur seals go about their business.
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Day 3: Kaikoura / Marlborough Sounds / Wellington
Location: Kaikoura, Marlborough Sounds, Wellington
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the morning to soak in the scenery of Kaikoura before heading north to Picton. Take a stroll around this harbour town and perhaps pick up a bite to eat before boarding the ferry to Wellington. Crossing the Cook Strait is one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides – watch as the vast landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds unfold along a beautiful coastline, making way for sweeping vineyards and open skies. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, known for its amazing food and craft beer scene. Tonight, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up a great brew.
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Day 4: Wellington / Taupo
Location: Wellington, Mount Victoria, Taupo, Lake Taupo, Rangipo Desert, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). Your leader will show you around the capital this morning. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake. This drive is a perfect introduction to the wild and varied landscapes of the North Island – pass by the arid scenes of the Rangipo Desert and the soaring volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Arrive in Taupo in the evening. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.
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Day 5: Taupo
Location: Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Lake Taupo, Otumuheke Stream
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.
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Day 6: Murupara
Location: Murupara
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – most proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a member of the Maori community who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.
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Day 7: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua, Te Puia Maori Village, Pohutu Geyser
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.
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Day 8: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua, Kuirau Park, Rotorua, Kaituna River, Mt Tarawera
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.
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Day 9: Hobbiton / Coromandel Peninsula
Location: Hobbiton, Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a visit to Hobbiton – the absolute must-do when in New Zealand. On a fully guided tour of the set where scenes from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were shot, you’ll see Hobbit Holes and the Mill, finishing up with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This afternoon, head to the Coromandel Peninsula – a land of beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!
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Day 10: Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland
Location: Hot Water Beach, Auckland
Accommodation: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Accommodation Name: Multi-share hostel with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast
Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland – New Zealand’s biggest city is in a great spot, meaning you’re never far from the water. The dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them, so as it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for dinner with the group to celebrate.
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Day 11: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.
What's Included
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Kaikoura - Visit to a Seal Colony
Visit a seal colony in Kaikoura to observe fur seals in their natural habitat.
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Marlborough - Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
Experience the scenic Cook Strait ferry crossing from Marlborough to Wellington.
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Wellington - Mount Victoria Lookout
Enjoy panoramic views of Wellington from the Mount Victoria Lookout.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as kayaking, whale watching, and ziplining are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
Transport
- Private Vehicle , Ferry
Accommodation
- ROOMING
- Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared bathrooms, on a mixed-gender basis.
- PRIVATE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
- A supplement for a private room (with shared bathroom facilities) is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double room will be allocated to you. Please note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of private room supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book this service or enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
Important Information
- 1. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with group members of a different gender, couples and non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.
- 2. A single supplement (with shared bathroom facilities) is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. If you are a single traveller this will give you a single room, if you are travelling as a couple a double room will be allocated to you. The single supplement excludes Day 6 (Murupara) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. This trip is run by Haka Tours, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Haka customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Haka Tours to ensure that all our customers enjoy their time in New Zealand.
Mode of Transport
Transportation for this tour includes travel by private vehicle and ferry, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey across New Zealand's stunning landscapes.Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is in multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared bathrooms, on a mixed-gender basis. A private room supplement is available, subject to availability, offering single or double rooms with shared bathroom facilities.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared bathrooms, on a mixed-gender basis. A supplement for a private room with shared bathroom facilities is available, subject to availability at the time of booking.
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What is a hangi dinner?
A hangi dinner is a traditional Maori meal cooked underground, which gives the food a delicious, earthy flavor. It is part of the cultural experience in Murupara.
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What activities are included in the visit to Murupara?
In Murupara, you will be greeted by a member of the Maori community who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands. You will learn a famous haka war dance, weave a plate for dinner out of flax plants, and enjoy a traditional hangi meal.
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What can I expect to see at the Te Puia Maori Village in Rotorua?
At the Te Puia Maori Village, you will gain firsthand insight into Maori culture and have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand's largest geyser, in action. You will also visit a kiwi conservation center to observe this nocturnal bird.
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What is special about Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula?
Hot Water Beach is famous for the warm waters that run beneath its sand. You can dig a hole to create your own natural hot tub, especially enjoyable at low tide.
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What is the significance of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour?
The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is a must-do experience in New Zealand, where you can see the set where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed. The tour includes seeing Hobbit Holes and the Mill, and finishes with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
11 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Christchurch Cathedral, Kaikoura, Seal Colony, Kaikoura, Marlborough Sounds, Wellington, Mount Victoria, Taupo, Lake Taupo, Rangipo Desert, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park, Otumuheke Stream, Murupara, Rotorua, Te Puia Maori Village, Pohutu Geyser, Kuirau Park, Rotorua, Kaituna River, Mt Tarawera, Hobbiton, Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Auckland ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHRO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-99
